Editor of the Southern African Times, Farai Muvuti, has criticised the South African government’s handling of rising anti-immigrant tensions, arguing that authorities reacted too late despite mounting warning signs and growing regional concern
Speaking during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Muvuti said protests had so far remained largely peaceful due to a heavy security presence and increased government efforts to protect vulnerable foreign nationals.
On the situation on the ground, he stated:
“The protests are occurring in a peaceful manner, and there’s not been much by way of violence that I have seen as yet, according to reports.”
Addressing the underlying causes of the tensions, Muvuti pointed to deep-rooted structural challenges rather than immigration itself.
“Unemployment is above 36 percent, South Africa is one of the most unequal societies on planet Earth. These things create an underpinning in society.”
He argued that many South Africans have been encouraged to blame migrants instead of confronting longstanding economic and historical inequalities.
“People living in very low-income households tend to look at their neighbours as their opponents, rather than looking at the real structural conditions that created these issues.”
On the government’s response, Muvuti said authorities failed to act proactively despite clear warning signs.
“Government should always lead and not react to realities on the ground.”
He added:
“The South African government should look at this with shame because they reacted too late. Although we must appreciate and applaud the fact that it was done.”
Commenting on the growing political influence of anti-immigration groups, Muvuti questioned the logic of local election campaigns centred on immigration policy.
“A person who’s campaigning to restrict immigration into South Africa goes to a local government platform that actually has no influence whatsoever on immigration policy.”
He also challenged claims linking immigrants to crime, saying available statistics do not support such narratives.
“The contradictions are stark.”
On the broader implications for South Africa, Muvuti warned that the country risks undermining its economic and political leadership role across Africa if the issue is not addressed.
“South Africa has serious considerations to make. Africa, in order for any African country to survive, it needs Africa.”
Concluding, Muvuti said South Africa must decide whether it wants to continue playing a leading role on the continent alongside Nigeria.
“Only South Africa can make that decision whether it wants to continue to pursue its leadership role together with Nigeria.”
Goodness Anunobi
